Rainbow Range (Chilcotin Plateau) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rainbow Range |
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| Rainbow Mountains | |
Rainbow Range colours from heavy mineralization
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Tsitsutl Peak |
| Elevation | 2,495 m (8,186 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| District | Range 3 Coast Land District |
| Range coordinates | 52°40′N 125°50′W / 52.667°N 125.833°W |
| Parent range | Chilcotin Plateau |
| Borders on | Pacific Ranges, Kitimat Ranges, Ilgachuz Range |
| Geology | |
| Formed by | Shield volcano |
| Orogeny | Anahim hotspot volcanism |
| Age of rock | 8.7 to 7.2 million years |
The Rainbow Range is a beautiful mountain range located in British Columbia, Canada. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Anahim Lake. This range sits on the western edge of the Chilcotin Plateau. It touches the Coast Mountains to the south and north.
The mountains were once called Tsitsutl. This name means "rainbow mountains" in the Ulkatcho dialect of the Carrier language. Today, Tsitsutl is the name of the range's highest point.
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How the Rainbow Range Was Formed
The Rainbow Range is actually a very old shield volcano. It formed about eight million years ago. A shield volcano is a type of volcano that looks like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. This is because its lava flows are very runny and spread out far.
The Anahim Volcanic Belt
The Rainbow Range is part of the Anahim Volcanic Belt. This belt also includes other ranges like the Itcha and Ilgachuz Ranges. The Rainbow Range volcano is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) wide. Over millions of years, glaciers have carved into its volcanic rock and sands.
What is a Hotspot?
Scientists believe the volcano formed because the North American Plate moved over a hotspot. A hotspot is like a very hot spot deep inside the Earth. It melts rock and creates volcanoes on the surface. The Hawaiian Islands were also formed by a hotspot. This specific hotspot is known as the Anahim hotspot.
Peaks of the Rainbow Range
Most of the peaks in the Rainbow Range are just high parts of the old shield volcano. One separate volcanic peak is Anahim Peak, located on the northeast side. Other high points include Beef Peak, TaiaTaeszi Peak, and Mount MacKenzie. The highest point in the range is Tsitsutl Peak, which is 2,495 meters (8,186 feet) tall.
Why Are They Called Rainbow Mountains?
The range gets its name from the amazing colors of its rocks and sands. These colors come from different minerals in the volcanic lava. It's similar to the Spectrum Range, another colorful area in British Columbia.
Exploring Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park
Part of the Rainbow Range is located inside Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park. This park is a protected area where people can enjoy nature. To the east of the Rainbow Range, the Itcha and Ilgachuz Ranges form the center of the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park. These parks help protect the unique landscapes and wildlife of the area.
